BUILDesign Magazine Issue 012 by BUILDesign Magazine

Issue No. 001/2015 |Ksh. 300 | Tsh. 5600 | Ush. 8600

REVIEWING ARCHITECTURE IN KENYA AND THE REGION

BUILDESIGN MAGAZINE

6 166 000 08 611 7 >

Dr. Diana Lee Smith: Meet the Activist Architect

Collapse of buildings: Learn the Causes & Solutions www.buildesign.co.ke

Events: BIG 3 Africa & Build Expo 2015 in Kenya

Classic Mouldings: Create a livable space in the attic

Buildesign Magazine | Issue 001/2015 | www.buildesign.co.ke

CONTENTS

Issue 001/2015

FEATURES

06 10

MAIN FEATURE

INDUSTRY

Innovative design for motor training: Toyota Kenya Academy.

Building a better mirage: The causes & solutions to collapse of buildings Experience the socio-political side of Architecture with Dr. Diana Lee Smith.

EVENTS

OPINION

TECHNOLOGY

PROFILE

BuildExpo & Big3 Africa: May 2015. The role of highways in urbanization.

The 10 best innovations of 2014 in the construction industry.

Buildesign Magazine | Issue 001/2015 | www.buildesign.co.ke

EDITORIAL While few are dying from actual collapse of buildings, many more could be dying from respiratory illnesses caused by poorly ventilated environments they are living in. There is much more to a safe building than one which is only structurally sound. As

EDITORIAL TEAM

players in the construction industry, we need to push those responsible in authority in ensuring that laws are followed to the latter and have them do their work.

Editorial Wendy Kinya Assistant: wendy@architecturekenya.com

Our team spoke to various players in the construction industry including practicing

Happy New Year! BUILDesign

Magazine

architects, continues

deliver news and analysis of design trends, building science, and professional strategies to architects, design professionals, and building product manufacturers in Kenya and the region.

2015 comes in the wake of several collapses of buildings in Kenya, several of which have led to fatalities. Such have pushed the county government in partnership with the National Construction Authority and other law enforcement agencies to conduct building audits, starting with Nairobi, to ensure compliance to building and construction by laws and that these a safe for people to live in. of

Authority (NCA) and the Board of Registration for Architects

and

buildings

the

worst

in our construction industry. There are many buildings today, still standing, some in up market locations as Kileleshwa, Lavington and Riverside, that may not be fit for habitation. This is not to mention what we see in the skyscrapers of Outer Ring Road all the way from Pipeline, Huruma and Umoja to Kasarani, Githurai and Zimmerman along Thika Road. Buildings that go beyond five floors without lifts, those that do not have adequate lighting and ventilation, those that do not conform to requirements on fire safety, the

Marketing Felister Mugambi Executive: felister@architecturekenya.com

Construction

Quantity

Surveyors

(BORAQS) to bring you some insights into the matter of collapse of buildings. In our regular feature of building profile, so simple yet so difficult to conceptualize, design and build. A demanding brief, a mix of cultures and an interesting context were brought together to come up with what is now the Toyota Kenya Academy. In our conversations with architects, we have come across many who may have no major commissions to show for themselves or completed works that have become landmarks in our growing cities and urban areas, but still they have so much substance

manifestation of the problems that we have

list is endless.

National

we have reviewed a building which was

This first issue of the BUILDesign Magazine

Collapse

the

Editor: Martin Tairo tairo@architecturekenya.com

and have achieved a lot in what they do. In this issue of the magazine, we speak to one such architect, Dr. Diana Lee Smith. We have also carried a number of special features and opinions. We have introduced a new section on travel and tell you where to go to for your next holiday if you have a lot of interest in architecture and construction.

Layout Larry Odawa Design: odacitysolutions@gmail.com Photography George Ogutu geopixmedia@gmail.com Contributors:

Curt Moreno Ben Malasi Steve Ted Gome Loki Eric Lemukol Ng'usike Arthur Mugo

Advertising:

(+254) 722 387 110 (+254) 720 650 898 (+254) 725 075 993

Sales: Walter Meja sales@architecturekenya.com (+254) 773 760 828 Publisher: Architecture Kenya Media Ltd Suite 16, 5th floor, Vision Plaza P.O.Box. 60540-00200, Nairobi info@architecturekenya.com Distributors: Jetsam Distribution Ltd Mai Mahiu Rd, Off Langâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ata Rd info@jetsamdistribution.com www.facebook.com/BUILDesignKE www.twitter.com/BUILDesignKE Copyright ÂŠ: Architecture Kenya Media Ltd

As usual, we invite your comments, reactions and reviews of the features we publish. Please visit our website, www.buildesign. co.ke and get in touch with us through email info@architecturekenya.com.

DISCLAIMER No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form or stored on a retrieval system without the permission of the publisher. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors that

Enjoy your reading.

may appear or for any consequences of using the information contained herein. Buildesign Magazine | Issue 001/2015 | www.buildesign.co.ke

More Space for Less The Livable Roof Space with Roof Windows

sually, when we think of creating

attic for storage of water tanks due to the

The preferred roofing material should be

more space in a building, the

entanglement of pipes and the supporting

roof tiles as this allows ventilation and

first thing that comes in the mind

roof structure, you can factor in a more

airflow between the tiles. The underlay

is building more, if there is space. But that

purposeful room in this space with proper

material beneath the roofing tiles should

has since changed as Classic Mouldings

planning at the design stage of a building

be a breathable roofing membrane to

has an alternative to make and achieve

or even much later in an existing building.

allow the roofing material to breath, and

that extra functional space by turning

also to extract humidity from the roof and

the attic into a livable space. Known

Most houses have an attic which can be

for the most artistic interior design and

converted into a livable space. However,

decorations since 1991, the firm has also

it is conditional that the roof must be

ventured into roof technology providing

pitched at a high angle as flat roofs are not

affordable and practical solutions for

buildable. Ideally, the roof space from the

more efficient buildings with the latest

attic floor to the pitch should be at least

When planning to design or re-create

accessories to upgrade the roof space.

2.3 m high hence the sharper the angle

your attic, it is important to note that

the better. Low angle roofs compared to

specific design features are essential for

high pitch roofs also are more likely to

the most conducive living environment.

cause rain penetration. It is advisable that

Among other features, roof windows are

you avoid support in the roof space as

the most basic for ventilation and also

much as possible to achieve a beautiful

because, they provide the best quality of

attic. Instead of trusses, you should use

light for the room.

The attic is the easiest space in a house to transform into a beautiful and amazing livable space filled with daylight and fresh air for whatever purposes. From it, you have the best panoramic view of the vicinity. It can be a study room, a gym, a childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s playroom, a bedroom etc. depending on your needs. It is also arguably, the most private room in the house.While most homeowners use the 6

Buildesign Magazine | Issue 001/2015 | www.buildesign.co.ke

the house.

Design

rafters and try to avoid columns in the middle. To reconstruct an attic space in

Some houses in Kenya have dormers

an existing building, you need a permit

widows

letter and a renovation license from the

However with the attic space, it is easier

county office.

to flood in the room with direct sunlight

which

are

vertically

fitted.

ADVERTISING FEATURE using the roof windows. Just as the name suggests, the roof windows are fitted on the roof itself, in a slanted position. Classic Mouldings roof windows from the renowned FAKRO come in different sizes depending on the clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs. Conditions that determine the choice of optimum roof window type include roof pitch, height of the window installation, attic wall height and the general height of the room. The major designs of FAKRO windows include the top hung, the side hung and pivot windows whose accessories such as the blinds and shutters

The Attic before make-over

combine functionality and appeal. FAKRO

roof

windows

come

with

toughened glass as standard and double glazed to maintain the required room temperature even in extreme weather conditions. These

windows

can

automated; fitted with sensors such that if you leave the window open and it begins to rain, it shuts itself. They also have automatic air vents which allow for controlled air circulation. Activated by air pressure, variation between the inside and the outside of the room, the vent will ensure that the individual room temperatures are balanced with the optimum level of fresh air. With up to 35 % of heat lost through traditional means of room ventilation, this technology is a huge contribution to energy saving. Roof windows also come with a variety

The Attic after make-over

of flashing to suit any type of roofing materials

shingles.

Flashings

are

essential for the correct installation of the roof windows because it seals around to avoid any water penetration. Precisely designed, they ensure a durable and neat fit with the roofing material used. The purpose of the flashing is to ensure good drainage away from the window and provide protection. It is interesting to note that the roof

The other key design feature is access

The sealing of the walls can be done with

to the attic room. If the attic is prepared

gypsum or plaster boards which can then

for human use at the design stage, the

be painted with decorative paints to give

architect usually provides for a stairway.

it a perfect finish.

If the attic is recreated in an existing building, a ladder can be installed,

Conversion of the Attic/ Roof space into

foldable or spiral, leading to the attic.

a livable space is becoming an extremely

Process

architects and developers desire and plan

windows are also designed with a secure

When doing an Attic Conversion, you

360 degrees movement which allows

should highly consider insulating the roof

for great views of the outdoors, visually

tiles usually done using glasswool which

enlarging the attic space.

is lined in between the roof truss all round.

popular concept in Kenya every day. More to incorporate Roof windows in the Attic spaces as part of a livable area in the house in their design. Conversion of Attics maximizes on the space and increases the resale value of the property. Buildesign Magazine | Issue 001/2015 | www.buildesign.co.ke

ADVERTISING FEATURE

The roof windows Nearly most house owners whose attics spaces have been converted into livable space say, “We could never have expected such an added value to our house.”

Visit Classic Mouldings at their Nairobi showroom, tell their team of professionals what you have in mind – and they’ll make it happen. Classic Mouldings, Kellico Complex, Mombasa Road, Nairobi – secure parking, great ideas, informed staff, professional backup. For further information: info@ classic-mouldings.com Tel; + 254 (0) 02 2585596/ 3519526 or 0721 123 123, Beautifully decorated Attic

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The Future of How Things Are Made

Imagine, Design and Create A better world with BIM and AutodeskÂŽ Building Design Suite Accurate. Actionable. Accessible.

Bought to you by the makers of AutoCADÂŽ For more information contact Ideate Technologies Buildesign Magazine | Issue 001/2015 | www.buildesign.co.ke E-mail: info@ideate.mu | www.ideate.mu

MAIN FEATURE

Toyota Kenya Academy

Buildesign Magazine | Issue 001/2015 | www.buildesign.co.ke

EXTROVERTED ARCHITECTURE B

uilding an academic facility is not often a complicated task. But when the requirements are doubled with suiting executive corporate spaces in a training environment, the design emerges with its own set of challenges. On top of having to meet the enhanced requirements for an environmentally friendly building, there were also concerns with the time

within which the building had to be ready. So when Toyota Inc. sought to build an institutional facility that would benchmark that of their host for executive trainings, SBS, they knew best that only a design and construction team that had experience developing a similar kind of design would deliver to their need with specific requirements.

Client – Toyota Kenya Ltd Architects – Lexicon+Ion Main Contractor – D Manji Construction Ltd Quantity Surveyors - Mark & Ashton Elec & Mech Engineers - Gill Consult Structural Engineers – Apex System Consulting Group

Buildesign Magazine | Issue 001/2015 | www.buildesign.co.ke

MAIN FEATURE THE BRIEF

SITE FEATURES

CHALLENGES

Lexicon + Ion were approached by Toyota

Motivated by the need to fill the

Site constraints in terms of size and

Kenya Ltd, a group company of the global

technological change deficit in the local

orientation were a major challenge. The

Toyota Tshusho Corporation, late in 2012

motor industry, the new facility was a

facility was being developed on a narrow

for design of an automotive and human

critical addition to the Toyota Business

site with existing buildings and hence it

resources training center relative to SBS

Park.There are three basic units in all

was going to face east west. This meant

in terms of looks, feel, interior finishes

Toyota facilities globally including sales,

that the sun would directly fall on the

and functionality. The client also wanted

service and spares hence these units were

main façade all day. Creating the look

a facility that inculcates the Toyota Way

already operational in different entities

of a school more than a car garage was

and Spirit.

within the Park. There was the HINO

another challenge since the client wanted

Trucks Depot which is Toyota brand for

access to the service bay on the front. In

trucks, Toyotsu Auto Mart which is the

terms of technology, the challenge was

sales unit for used Toyota cars, Toyota Parts

ensuring stability on the huge spans across

Center where all Toyota parts are received

the building to allow flexibility in use of

and either assembled or distributed and

the spaces. Uniting the concrete forming

the Vehicle Licensing & Logistics Centre

the slab at the top of the main façade

(this unit accommodates KRA office

with the narrow steel columns to create

for inspection, licensing and issuing of

a light impression was quite a task too. In

number plates). The only space left was

addition, creating balance for the mixed

a narrow piece of land on the extreme

use requirements as well as improving

end of Toyota Business Park where the

and maximizing on the image from the

academy was to be constructed.

existing facilities was also a challenge.

The building would comprise of lecture and practical rooms (each with a capacity of 24-30), practical vehicle stalls, waiting lounge, self study room and paint booth among others. It was also required that the building be spacious, open and transparent to elevate thinking in line with the Toyota philosophy that ‘Good thoughts Brings up Good ideas’. They believed that with a good building, the staff and the students would be more inspired.

A view of the Kaizen Dojo

Buildesign Magazine | Issue 001/2015 | www.buildesign.co.ke

MAIN FEATURE ARCHITECT’S RESPONSE The architects strived to achieve the desired ‘cathedral of learning’ in a simple but interesting design that promotes Toyota’s corporate philosophy of

living

and prospering with people, society and the globe with an aim to generate value and contribute to the creation of a prosperous society.In order to exclusively accommodate

the

various

functions

altogether, there was a need to define and separate areas that will be accessible to

Upper Floor Plan

the public and those restricted to staff only hence the design had to have two levels. The ground floor training area is only open to staff members. The upper level on first floor is open to the public. It comprises of lecture rooms and offices where executive trainings for regional professionals can be conducted. The design on this level also allows flexible use of spaces.

Ground Floor Plan

We are proud to be the Main Contractors for The Construction of Training Centre & Academy for Toyota Kenya Ltd. D. MANJI CONSTRUCTION LTD. DM CIVIL ENGINEERING LTD. DM ENTERPRISES LTD. DM CONCRETE (K) LTD. DM STONES LTD.

Road “C”, Off Enterprise Road, Behind Sameer Industrial Park P.O. Box 22841 - 00400, Nairobi, Kenya Telephone: +254 (20) 23088201 Mobile: +254 733 511 605 E-mail: info@dm.co.ke, info@dmanji.co.ke

Buildesign Magazine | Issue 001/2015 | www.buildesign.co.ke

MAIN FEATURE The main academy for all the technical training is conducted on the ground floor. This level is fully installed with simulators, in ground vehicle lifts, alignment racks, service bays and support services (rest rooms and storage). There are four roll up doors for vehicle accessibility to the service bay. The architects ensured maximum flexibility on this level in the sense that the spaces can be adjusted depending on the training. To create appeal and project an academic theme, the architect switched the access to service bay to the rear façade so that the classrooms faced the business center and the landscape. A view of the service bay from the upper floor

Design The facility is designed to maximize on natural daylight but at the same time mitigating the direct sun due to the orientation of the building. At the entry point of the building, thin steel columns are carefully placed in uniform intervals to support the glass walling and the heavy beam on the roof. The complete glass walling allows sufficient light into the building. As an override, all rooms have manual switch to control lighting. Further, building management

system

(BMS)

switches

off lighting outside of normal hours of operation with permitted overrides for unusual after hours use. All work stations

Designed to reduce heating, the building

problem solving and helps team members

uses the evaporative cooling system;

Evaporative

capacity.

coolers

lower

indoor

temperatures by combining the natural cooling properties of evaporating water with an efficient air moving system. This combination of moisture and a steady breeze can lower indoor temperatures by as much as 30°F. Airflow is controlled by opening windows to allow the unit to push warm air outside. Evaporative coolers also add moisture, which helps keep fabrics and wood from drying out, and the waterfilled pads act as a type of filter, removing

team

Sustainable features Lexicon+Ion ensured that the facility is well ventilated by use of large windows to allow in sufficient natural air flow into the building. There are underground water tanks into which rainwater is harvested to maximize water efficiency within the facility. Landscaping in the academy also allows for a seamless transition between

Kaizen Dojo

softens the effect of the concrete jungle.

Improving standardized work is a never-

Materials

The massive glass work on all the openings

corporation. In the same spirit, the facility

ensures maximum transparency and an

is also designed based on the specific

extroverted inspiration for the users. From

program configuration that includes a

different levels on the main facade, one is

Kazien Dojo – a Japanese term that refers

able to enjoy a great view of the bonded

to a brainstorming room that is basic for

parking.

all Toyota facilities around the world with

There is a vertical connection in the design

a focus on developing human resources.

achieved with the use of internal staircase

In this room cum, workshop, members

with a lift to allow for handicapped

take time to learn key concepts through

access to the upper floor. Facility cleaning

instruction, discussion, simulation and

and maintenance areas with isolated car

small-group exercise. This element, that

exhaust systems are also designed within

is frequently neglected but essential for

the building.

learning to take root in both academic and corporate environments promotes

Buildesign Magazine | Issue 001/2015 | www.buildesign.co.ke

and

the indoors and the outdoors. Tree clusters

ending process in the culture of the

individual

dust and allergens from the air.

also have task lighting under control of an individual workstation user.

developing

create a cool shaded landscape and

The architects created a good balance aesthetically with a combination of the timeless natural blue stone, bright colors plus light glass for a modern look and feel. The exterior finish on the cantilever and the plastered stonework is Epoxy coating which has a white glitter that has an interesting shimmer from the sun rays. There is also a balanced use of steel columns on the walls and the roof. The floor and the sanitary areas are made of tiles. All the internal doors are made of timber.

MAIN FEATURE Capacity The two level complete facility comprises of a reception, a lounge, an instructors room, six classrooms, self study room, meeting room, principals office, kaizen dojo, paint booth, cafeteria, storage rooms, seven service bays(1 for trucks and 6 for cars), washrooms and a deck on the roof top.

Conclusion Toyota Training Centre & Academy Kenya is a fresh kind of learning and training school in the region. The project, which

Section

was required to be complete within one year kicked off on the first quarter of 2013 and was complete by mid 2014. Located 3kms southeast of Nairobi, along Popo road off Mombasa road, Toyota Business Park serves as the satellite location for Toyota East African region that provides professional training and services for advanced technology. The entire facility

Front Elevation

sits on a total area of 2280sqm.

WE ARE ABOUT PEACE OF MIND

Synthesys Systems is proud to be associated with making the Toyota Academy a reality.

Access Control

Intrusion Detection

Video Surveillance

Networks

Fire Detection & Suppression

Audio Systems

Get in touch with us today on (+254 020) 326 6000 or email: tech@synthesyssystems.com

Superior Solutions

www.synthesyssystems.com

Buildesign Magazine | Issue 001/2015 | www.buildesign.co.ke

EVENT

Africa's Largest International Building and Construction Trade Fair with Exhibitors from 35 countries. Visitors from 11 African Countries.

frica’s

biggest

Construction

Building show,

trade bodies in Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia,

architectural woodworkers, door and stair

the

Uganda, Somalia, Mozambique & Congo.

manufacturers and the list goes on,” This

BUILDEXPO AFRICA is going to

Though Kenya by itself is one of the biggest

event will have the machinery, hardware

celebrate its 18th year in 2015, of boosting

markets in Africa, major emphasis is being

and accessories needed to transform wood

business opportunities across the continent,

laid upon attracting traders and importers

into these much sought after products.

giving more than 850 companies from 35

from neighbouring countries.

countries a stellar opportunity to showcase products and services to thousands of

LIGHTEXPO

2015

Afriwood and LightExpo to be featured at

eager trade visitors. The massive show

Visitors

experience

the Buildexpo 2015 at Kenya

from a significantly enhanced show

provides an opportunity for linking likeminded

business

owners,

expanding

networking circles, delivering qualified leads and successful business deals. The Expo will be held in Kenya from 2nd to 4th May 2015 at the Kenyatta Int’l Conference Centre, Nairobi and in Tanzania from 22nd to 24th August 2015 at the Mlimani Conference Centre, Dar-esSalaam.Kenya is under rapid development in

its

infrastructure,

economic

zone,

commercial

and

urbanization,

industrial residential

parks, buildings

and tourism resorts. It is estimated that Kenya's infrastructure industry value and

will

exhibitors and

and benefit

environment with new energy-efficient AFRIWOOD 2015 has already attracted

lighting concepts latest trends, innovations

participants from over 18 countries, over

and solutions. The Show Organizers the

200 brands, representatives of different

EXPOGROUP is aiming to have overall

profiles and directions of the wood

value and satisfaction through a record-

industry from Africa and foreign countries

breaking attendance and a sold-out trade

and is expecting a flow of trade visitors

show floor during its 3 day run

from all over East & Central African countries. We are very pleased to return with AFRIWOOD 2015, will provide the opportunity to have these facets of the woodworking industry in one place and at one time offering huge sales potential to exhibiting companies and convenience for all trade visitors.

The event is gearing up to present a truly transformational innovation in the lighting industry with technology breakthroughs occurring daily. From inception, the event is designed to feature to the attendees on the industry’s latest trends, innovations and solutions. The event brings together the foremost designers, manufactures,

construction industry value will double

architects,

engineers,

and

industry

from 2010-2015. The demand for building

Main sections of the exhibitions include

professionals to cover lighting products,

construction materials and machinery has

woodworking

of different

equipments, applications, controls and

witnessed a precipitous rise.

capacities, woodcutting tools, materials

solutions, as well as design innovation,

for wood care and professional materials

product updates and latest in the market.

equipment

18th edition of Buildexpo Africa, the only

for furniture refinishing, wood drying

show with the widest range of fascinating

equipment. By tradition, the exhibition

technologies in the sectors for construction

represents

machinery, building-material machines,

technologies

mining machines, construction vehicles

of woodworking branches, innovative

and construction equipment which has

methods of wooden house construction

been catering to the demand of not only

industry and furniture production. Visitors

the Kenyan market, but the entire East

will find the latest and most innovative

African region from the last 17 years.

products and equipment in the Wood

Spread over three days, the mega event is

Industry at the highest rate of efficiency.

the ideal forum for the international players

AFRIWOOD 2015 will allow exhibitors

in the industry to showcase products and

services to the ripe African market. Trade

woodworking

visitors from all over East & Central African

will attract commercial wood industry

countries are being invited directly and

manufacturers

in collaboration with several regional

commercial

Buildesign Magazine | Issue 001/2015 | www.buildesign.co.ke

the

connect

latest and

with

developments

Eastern

market. and furniture

achievements,

“This

African event

entrepreneurs, manufacturers,

LIGHTEXPO 2015 has anticipated and will address the light industry commercial environment

changes

and

growth

opportunities with comprehensive product presentations. The event has been catering to the demand of not only the Kenyan market, but the entire East African region. The trade show will provide exhibitors with an outstanding opportunity and platform to meet existing and new customers, launch new products, generate sales, enhance company image and build brand awareness, interact with distributors & suppliers, and gain competitive insight of the market

EVENT 18 th

AFRICA 2015

KENYA: 02 - 04 May, Nairobi

TANZANIA: 22 - 24 Aug., DSM

Building Construction, Mining & Water Technologies

International Trade Exhibitions

Exhibitors from 35 Countries Visitors from All Over Africa

Buildesign Magazine | Issue 001/2015 | www.buildesign.co.ke

INDUSTRY

of Buildings

“Anyone who kills people intentionally is a murderer equal to a terrorist.” The only difference in this case is that legislators are not as sensitive to the situation as in the case of terrorism although the impact is relative, only felt in different intensities.

ust about that time when a sense of

Collapse of buildings leads to both loss of

There is a clear indication that there are

security was settling in the minds of

lives and enormous investments. Kenya

several unaddressed problems underlying

city dwellers, another, even more

has had numerous cases of buildings

in the institutions involved and the

grueling danger strikes in. When majority

collapsing. The most vivid collapses over

building sector at large hence, beckoning

felt that terrorism was such a night mare, it

the last six years include the Ronald

for attention; why do buildings collapse?

has been confirmed that there is a greater

Ngala building collapse in January 2006

According to Prof. Omenya, an architect

enemy within. In Prof. Omenya’s words,

that claimed 14 lives, building collapse in

and urban specialist, the actual cause of

“Anyone who kills people intentionally is

Kiambu town in October 2009 claiming

building collapses is structural failure or

a murderer equal to a terrorist.” The only

16 lives, the collapse at Pipeline, Embakasi

failure to transmit both imposed and non-

difference in this case is that legislators

in 2011 killing 4 people, Langata, Ngara,

imposed loading to the ground evenly

are not as sensitive to the situation as in

Luanda and Bungoma among many

without any problem. This can also mean

the case of terrorism although the impact

others.

the inability of the ground to carry or resist

is relative, only felt in different intensities.

Buildesign Magazine | Issue 001/2015 | www.buildesign.co.ke

the loadings from the building where the

INDUSTRY loading surpass the allowable loading of

County Government Act 2012, Urban

the ground causing uneven settlement of

Areas and Cities Act 2011, Physical

the building.

Planning Act Cap 286 and other related

But what really results to structural failure is a faulty design and construction process. The building procedure begins with

the

quality

the

personnel

at design level. Drawings by nonprofessionals cannot qualify approval. The mess is transferred to the site and subjected to untrained manuals who do not understand the required concrete mixes hence poor concrete grade used for reinforced concrete structure which cannot not carry the intended loading. “We have a huge deficit of trained personnel including carpenters, plumbers etc. Buildings are collapsing because the untrained people lack basics in mixes ratio, the minimum, the optimum and the maximum, time/ duration” Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity

statutes. It is its mandate to enforce building

regulations

ensure

that

all developments meet the required standards of construction. This includes ensuring that the buildings are designed by qualified architects and engineers, drawings are submitted for approval and the construction is conducted by qualified contractors. It is the work of the local government also to issue a certificate of occupation after ensuring that the building is constructed to the required standards. County inspectors are required to visit construction sites regularly to study and ensure that the dimensions of the structure under construction conform to the approved design. This should be done with assistance from an engineer and an architect for interpretation purposes. Lack of an African code of practice could

Cosmas Maweu says.

be another reason for structural failure

workers in the construction industry, a problem worsened by the upgrading of technical schools to universities. This has come in the midst of a construction boom that has now spread to the counties with devolution.

officials

respect

construction

inspection and approval of buildings is another lead cause. It is unfortunate that most of these council officers visit construction sites, not to inspect construction but for collection of council revenue based on the expiry dates of the

drawings

and

signboards.

Poor

enforcement and compromise on quality is a loophole. For the wrong mixes to proceed into the building stage without approval there are inefficiencies in the inspection system. Nairobi city county government has a statutory power to regulate and manage all the building developments

as most codes of practice used in Africa are foreign yet we use local materials for construction. Conversely, British standards which have not been customized to suit local conditions are commonly used in design of reinforced concrete buildings in Kenya. The standards rely on materials and loads of safety factors to guarantee

Negligence of duty by county government

within

its

jurisdiction

pursuant to part 11 of the 4th schedule,

safety of these structures. The use of these standards is on the assumption that construction materials and loads in Britain and Kenya are similar. But this assumption may not be right. Rogue

NCA Executive Director, Arch. Daniel Manduku also notes that the disconnect among the involved legislations is a challenge. The mandate of the authority is to ensure quality during construction and in successfully executing this mandate, there needs to be a collaborative effort from all the ten legislations involved in the process, including NEMA, NCA, the County government, the Architects & Quantity Surveyors Act, EBK, Physical Planning Act, City & Urban Areas Act, Physical Planning Act& Building Code. Six of the bodies regulate construction work and the other four regulate the players, hence they all need to work hand in hand with each other, as a team. The fact that the professional practice in Kenya does not empower professionals to act on any misconduct, they are left

Surveyors (BORAQS) Kenya chairman,

Part of the problem is lack of qualified

hence no means of confirming.

out in the regulation process. Both the engineers and the architects play no role in regulation and enforcement, these roles are left to NCA and the County government. Inadequate geotechnical and materials investigations, use of in appropriate specifications and manuals, incompetent design, poor workman ship, lack of ethics, poor supervision, use of in appropriate materials, weak reinforcement are all among the many reasons why buildings collapse. There is a great need for training on

developers

who

use

non

professionals in their projects are the real culprits. While all the other players in the construction process are under regulation, there lacks a legal frame work to discipline building owners and bring them into accountability. Some developers will involve a qualified architect until the drawings are approved while others will

quality control. All building materials should be inspected for quality purposes including sand, ballast and mixes not just the ingredients. There should be a legal frame work where, if you do, let say a slab the law should oblige you to ensure that you preserve samples of the slab and you have them tested and approved before you proceed with the construction.

not even seek professional services or

During

design approval at all. There is also no

structural engineer should carry out

assurance that the developer builds within

periodic batch testing of concrete to

the

determine its strength. This testing is

approved

architectural

drawings

construction,

the

architect/

Buildesign Magazine | Issue 001/2015 | www.buildesign.co.ke

INDUSTRY usually done while the concrete is being

is the case in our country and hence the

needed that can enable transparency in

mixed. A sample of the concrete is

reality that people are largely developing

the inspection and approval system hence

taken for testing at the nearest Ministry

without regulation.

ease the work among the players using

of Roads materials testing laboratory or university and its strength determined. If the crushing strength is weak, then the concrete does not pass the test. At this stage, you will need the services of the project architect/ structural engineer to interpret the strength for you. If the project is using a Registered Architect & Structural Engineer, chances are that he/ she is making sure that the batch testing of concrete is being done and he/she can provide this information to you .Most domestic constructions use Normal grade

In areas where developments cannot meet

such tools as Google earth.

quality control requirements, for instance,

Other tools that can be used in quality

in the informal settlements, the county

control include; integrity of both the

government should create a realistic

engineer and architect on site, the

approach to regulate developments in

contractor and the client, regular testing of

such areas.

work at every stage, approval of materials

Ongoing constructions where drawings have not been approved should be stopped. Existing buildings that do not meet the required standards should be demolished.

for compliance with specifications before use, impromptu site visits, competent contractors, contract conditions, regular reports, templates, cube strength tests, more training on importance of quality and transparency in tendering.

concrete of 20,25,32,40 or 50 Mega

All materials used in construction should

Pascals.The grade differs from location

be tested before use by an authorized

e.g. foundation, balcony, slab depending

body. The government should train more

on the structural engineerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drawings. Any

professionals in the building industry. The

registered structural engineer can carry

government should also formulate laws

out this task. Therefore, establish if the

and regulation on building procedures and

architect/engineer is registered as shown

defaulters penalized for any law breaking.

on the public site notice board, confirm

Building professionals should follow all

with the Architect/Engineers Registration

laid down construction regulation and

The

Board, then approach them to ask if

stop interfering with the process.

collapses is regrettable as this should not

periodic batch testing of concrete is being For a more streamlined system, it will

done and demand to see the results.

also be efficient to involve professionals Supervising

engineer/architect

should

in enforcement of the regulation. There

ensure that adopted mix design is

should also be a reform in the NCA Act to

followed during construction.

enable them to prosecute upon inspection,

In order to reduce the incidences of building collapse in our country, there also should be an overall body in charge of the ten legislations mandated to professionalism in the built environment. The

law

should

also

ensure

that

developers adhere to building regulations. The government should also ensure that all projects meet the required standards before they are laid on site.

and have a difficult time having their building plans approved. The council should accept ownership certificates and letters of allotment as valid ownership to

process

approvals.

Planning and approval system should not be conditional to land ownership as 20

also existing buildings, in order to place more penal consequences for failure to comply with the regulation. With such a mechanism, every professional would help secure the practice from quacks. There is need to address the institutional legal frame work and especially the conduct of developers such that they are under regulation and fully liable in cases of collapse leading to death. This

Most urban developers do not have titles

documents

not only buildings under construction but

Buildesign Magazine | Issue 001/2015 | www.buildesign.co.ke

will make them rely on professionals for quality work and in turn the professionals will be more diligent because they know that the law will catch up with them. Technology is another resourceful tool. To enable the county government to work at optimum levels, an IT solution is

While the blame lies heavily to the legislations, the common citizen too has a role to play; Do not occupy a building that is under construction. Kenyans should ensure that the houses they live in have occupational certificates. Do not pay for a death trap. loss

lives

through

building

have happened had the involved players engaged the proper mechanisms hence this should be a re-awakening that we are still far from sorting out the mess in the industry begging for the need to seek collaborative approach between professionals and the government in order to achieve a sustainable solution.

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INDUSTRY

FORGET THE HYPE

Nairobi 'City' Is Just A Big Slum-City

By Lemukol Ng’asike

hether or not Nairobi is a city worth its name is debatable. It has been argued before -

especially along government corridors - that Nairobi is by many standards an advanced city. Many have even gone an extra mile to christen it "a city in the sun", ostensibly to stamp the city's position as the focal point for adventure, transport hub, and international trade, among other "signs of development" bandied around by our media people. While it is easier to resort to judging a city (or any other place) on the basis of its shiny edifices, the truthfulness of such verdicts comes to test once tragedies strike and the need to question the guiding philosophy of a city gains prominence. Notwithstanding the aloofness of city dwellers vis-à-vis responsibilities of city authorities, it is a big fallacy to drift away from interrogating the very essence of a city bureaucracy that has failed to enforce the simplest of its own by-laws in order to save lives. A city worth its rightful position plays not with its rules. Its position is inherently a product of the level of its by-law enforcement. There is no other magic bullet to turn things around. For the past couple of months, we have witnessed a disturbing picture of Nairobi. A number of high-density residential flats have come down, allegedly due to poor workmanship leaving behind a trail of destruction and human deaths.

Buildesign Magazine | Issue 001/2015 | www.buildesign.co.ke

A prominent case is that of a five-storey

change to be effected.

building that collapsed around Huruma Shaky structures keep on popping up all Area leaving some five people dead and

over the city unhindered. Questionable

many others hospitalized.

characters masquerading as construction professionals still dot city's construction

As expected, the city's top honchos came

sites untouched.

out full of bravado and announced the suspension of county officials in the City's

Nothing seems to have shaken our

Housing Department, allegedly for not

collective conscience.

doing their job as required. Several scholarly writings (notably from What followed was a loud silence. The

the Department of Geography, National

city went back to "normal", supposedly

University of Singapore) argue that the

waiting for another tragedy to occur for

significance of a city’s sensory practices

INDUSTRY

This, without a doubt, is a clear reason why many low-income city dwellers will resort to unofficial means (probably by bribing city officials) in order to have their plans approved on time. From rural/urban standpoint, it is worthnoting that Nairobi is yet to evolve to the status of a city. It is just a big slum city. Solid engagement on matters public safety is yet to be appreciated by the public. The belief that enforcement of city by-laws can only materialize when city sheriffs unleash their fiat is one big barrier city dwellers must remove. Renting

shaky

structure

oblivious

of the dangers associated to it is a manifestation of

this

laissez-faire

mentality. It adds value to accept our inadequacies before piling blames on an equally skewed system. Redeeming Nairobi is a two-pronged activity. City dwellers must own up

Dandora- Nairobi

the process. City fathers must come to - that is, building codes, refuse disposal/

Nairobi) on the basis of the economic

the realization that they are not governing

control, garbage collection, maintenance

status of its inhabitants.

a village city.

of public spaces, designation of smoking zones etc - in moulding urban experiences

A look into Nairobi's spatial development

Clinging

have for a long time received scant

reveals

undertaking of a people allergic to the true

attention from city officialdom.

officialdom's engagement on matters

the

skewed

nature

the

baseless

hypes

representation of their going-ons.

construction. Low income sections rarely They affirm that many a times city

enjoy the full cooperation of the city

Skewed interventionism will affirm the

authorities will succumb to blind media

authorities in vetting, approving and/or

position of Nairobi as a slum-city.

attention by focusing their energies on

disciplining those engaged in works (i.e.

urban interventions that impact not on the

architects, contractors, engineers etc).

city dwellers.

Many a times building plans approval

The author is an architect.

processes are designed in a manner that A case in point is the selective enforcement

leaves heavy financial burden on the

of building codes in a given city (say

applicant. Buildesign Magazine | Issue 001/2015 | www.buildesign.co.ke

Buildesign Magazine | Issue 001/2015 | www.buildesign.co.ke

Diana Lee Smith

FEATURED ARCHITECT

Designing Social Change

oming to Kenya from Britain in

architect in Sweden. She describes her

context and the students were able to

1969, Dr. Diana Lee Smith had

education as on the Bauhaus system,

understand their training.

a deep conviction that her move

which was the innovative architectural

Diana met her husband while teaching at

was for the better. She was working in

training started in mid 1920s in Germany

the University of Nairobi. They were both

London and had just registered with RIBA

that

creativity,

architects and they shared the same ideas

when a friend practicing in Kenya sent

understanding of structures and materials

about what was needed to change the

her a postcard inviting her to take up a

oriented towards modern design in the

profession in Kenya.

teaching job at the University of Nairobi.

era of industrialization. Diana graduated

From the University of Nairobi, Diana

Diana, a passionate teacher and learner,

in 1964 with an AA diploma.

moved to USA in 1972 to teach at the

felt instantly it was the right move. Forty

Upon graduating, Diana practiced in

University Of California, Berkeley, in

five years later she has not changed her

Britain and Greece before registering with

the School Of Environmental Design.

opinion; she met her husband of over

RIBA.

Diana and her husband were both

Coming to Kenya

working and learning at the same time

40 years and they have spearheaded countless projects, both architectural

included

all-round

and socio-political, on African housing, development and environment.

Early Life Born in Reading, England in 1940, Diana remembers growing up in an ordinary home like every other child. She had just completed her primary level education and listening to a radio program one day, she heard a discussion about architecture. The program addressed the profession as very difficult. This description made her curious and the challenge-driven Diana decided to pursue the discipline after high school. She was also excellent in drawing, a gift she believes to have been inherited from her mother. This was a plus in her decision. Interested to further understand and prepare for the challenge, Diana sought career advice regarding the profession but could not get it at her all-girls school so she had to visit the career adviser at a boyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s school. Then she had to study art as well as sciences in order to qualify for architecture. Education & Early Career Life After completing her A levels, Diana joined

the

School

Architectural Architecture,

Association London

1958. She studied for five years, with an additional year working as a student

hence interacting with other architects on environmental design which was

In 1969, a friend in Kenya who was

taking root at the time. She relocated to

working with Mutiso Menezes wrote to

Canada to join her husband, who was on

her to come take up a lecturing job at

a Canadian government scholarship at

UoN, then the University of East Africa.

York University in Canada. She joined the

She right away accepted the offer partly

Faculty of Environmental Studies in that

because she had developed this new

university, doing inter-disciplinary work;

interest in the socio-political side of

she would teach courses on design as she

architecture and she thought Kenya would

studied sociological research and became

be a great place to explore that agenda.

a professional researcher. Their only son

A day after landing, Diana was in class

was born in 1975 and that is when they

teaching. The students were almost all

came back to Nairobi.

men from different cultural backgrounds across East Africa. When she interacted

On return to Kenya, their efforts to rejoin

with them on designs, she realized that

the University of Nairobi as lecturers

there was a huge disconnect between

were turned down and hence they had

her and the students. Their backgrounds

to find a way of survival as they settled

were completely different and hence

down. Both Diana and her husband were

she had to study the African culture and

passionate about combining research

they had to learn their culture too in

and action and so they decided to set

order to understand design; she sent all

up an independent development and

the students home to document where

environment institute. While her husband

they came from as designers. This would

has concentrated fully on managing the

also help in understanding the principles

institute, Diana took up various research

of design â&#x20AC;&#x201C; what people do, what they

projects. They worked on the monitoring

already have and what they need. So

and evaluation for the Dandora Housing

the students went into studying and

Scheme, an opportunity that led to World

understanding their homesteads, drawing

Bank hiring her as a consultant for low

them and explaining how they function

income housing projects, supervising

(the setting, the social organization and

urban projects in Kenya from 1978 to

the reason why everything was the way

1983. She also worked at UNEP on a

it was). It is after that project that Diana

project regarding the ecological state of

was able to understand design in the local

human settlements.

Buildesign Magazine | Issue 001/2015 | www.buildesign.co.ke

FEATURED ARCHITECT Diana was particularly interested in the

NGO in 1978. The objective was to

starting in the 1990s. The campaign

identity of women in Kenya as far as

develop knowledge and apply it to real

against land-grabbing, Operation Firimbi,

housing was concerned. In 1997, she

world issues through policy formation,

led by her husband, Davinder Lamba, is

graduated with a PhD in Architecture and

public education, lobbying and political

well-known.

Development Studies at Lund University,

activism among others.

Sweden and later worked at UN Habitat as the Gender Coordinator, responsible for gender mainstreaming and women’s rights. Based on her PhD research about women, Diana wrote a book "My House

While great progress has been made

Mazingira Institute carried out the first

and there is now a large body of Kenyan

survey on urban agriculture in Kenya

professionals and the building industry

in 1985, which is what led to her later

has become diversified and sophisticated,

work

there remains still a tremendous backlog

International

Research

Scientist. They had observed when trying

in affordable housing.

to understand people’s living conditions

are focused on commercial projects but

and wellbeing that many were farming in

commercial housing will only meet 2%

the city. So they wrote a research proposal

of the income earners’ needs. The 98%

to study urban farming and documented it

of Kenyans with housing needs are not

Environment.

across Kenya.

covered except by organizations like the

Diana left UN in 2001 and at the age

They have also worked on several

is My Husband": a Kenyan Study of Women's Access to Land and Housing. Among her publications is another book, Women Managing Resources: African Research on Gender, Urbanization and

of 61 took up a new job to leading an African Regional program called Urban Harvest, an initiative of the Consultative Group

International

Agricultural

Research (CGIAR) where she had the title

projects including publishing of children’s educational materials from the perspective of

environmental

conservation

and

lifestyles, education for the girls, land grabbing, transitional justice and the new

Architects now

National Cooperative Housing Union (NACHU). However, Diana is convinced that the profession can still cater for low income earners just like they did through the World Bank projects in the 1970s which created Dandora and Kayole in Nairobi and Chaani, Miritini and

of International Research Scientist.

constitution, as well as research on oral

On retiring, Diana went to visit her son

sticks.

Best Design Advice

The institute also runs courses training

“If someone asks you to design a building

in Canada and was appointed a Visiting Professor at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, teaching and editing her two books on urban agriculture: Healthy City Harvests and African Urban Harvest. Diana is also the founder and editor of Settlements Information Network Africa (SINA), an independent forum for debate and opinion leadership and a catalyst

health and the use of traditional chew

urban farmers in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture to help them develop their own organizations. They host the Nairobi and Environs Food Security, Agriculture and Livestock Forum towards this purpose.

The Architecture Profession and Building Industry in Kenya

for action in the region. She edited forty-one issues of the newsletter, ran

In 1969, the year when Diana came in

and documented regional workshops,

Kenya, there was only one black Kenyan

exchange visits and national workshops,

architect, the famous David Mutiso.

and promoted regional work on housing

She notes that the early independence

and construction cooperatives, housing

period presented numerous problems not

rights, and women's rights to housing.

least of which was not having enough

SINA was founded in 1981 and it is still

qualified professionals, especially those

operational at Mazingira Institute.

who understood the practical challenges of a very low income population and

Mazingira Institute Diana and her husband, working with others, established the institute as an independent research and development 26

Buildesign Magazine | Issue 001/2015 | www.buildesign.co.ke

how to provide affordable housing. Colonial building regulations were out of date and it took a long time to change them. Corruption was rife in the building industry and even the professions, leading to professionals campaigning for reforms

Mikindani in Mombasa.

and you realize that it’s not what they need, do not build it.” Diana has lived by this principle, which is what led her to a diverse career and to acquiring much knowledge. Personal integrity is important to her and since learning from her first year students at UoN in 1969 what the needs of Kenyans were in building, she seeks to do the right thing always, even when it is not as financially rewarding as it should be.

Inspiration & Mentorship Diana’s greatest mentor is her husband of over four decades, Davinder Lamba, who is the Executive Director of Mazingira Institute. They

also

work together.

He has a Masters in

architectural

environmental studies and a Bachelors degree in architecture. She describes him as the man who guided her when she first came to Kenya and helped her understand

FEATURED ARCHITECT the culture and needs of Kenyan people.

are a great hope for that matter if they can

victims of torture during colonialism. She

A man who is committed to being a good

provide for affordable housing plots.”

is also constructing her own residential

Kenyan and to good planning, design and

house for rental and helping friends with

moral philosophy about how our country

their own projects.

and the world at large should be, he has been her mentor. Another person Diana looks up to is Archbishop Desmond Tutu; she considers him as a person who weathered all obstacles in integrity, advocated for the right things and fearlessly said the right thing whether politically right or wrong up until today. Architect David Mutiso, the first African architect in Kenya is also a great inspiration

Architectural practice Though Diana still holds her registration, she has not practiced much except trying to influence the profession towards

Evidently

attending more to people’s needs through

gravitates largely around social political

low income housing and reforms. She

affairs of the people but she still wears

however has a few architectural projects

her architectural hat. She is continually

and one is key;

campaigning for low income housing

The Mau Mau Memorial

to Diana. He helped her understand what

Winning this project meant a lot for Diana.

it meant to be a Kenyan architect at the

She remembers when she came to Kenya

time.

in 1969, not long after independence

Challenges

and for decades, the Mau Mau was not

Among the many others, Diana highlights corruption as the greatest obstacle in the profession. She insists that professionals have to redeem their reputation. “We have to follow the building rules and do things right. And the County governments

Conclusion

quite recognized for their contribution to independence. This project is one of the few ways of doing that and Diana feels very gratified to have won it. The design competition was organized by BORAQS. The monument which is under

Lee-Smith’s

passion

and reform of building regulations. The accomplished author, with over 40 years of experience in research, policy, and advocacy work on urban poverty, gender, development and environment issues, Lee-Smith has lived in Kenya for over 45 years. The 74 year old is currently an Associate at Mazingira Institute, working with

her

husband

international

networking and support to Nairobi and Environs Food Security, Agriculture and Livestock Forum (NEFSALF).

construction at Freedom Corner in Uhuru Park will be a symbol of dignity to the

Buildesign Magazine | Issue 001/2015 | www.buildesign.co.ke

FEATURE

African Art An interpretation By Loki Eric

eated on my couch on Mashujaa

cultures, like those of west Africa for

day evening, (perhaps because

example come out very strongly and can

of the lovely display of African/

almost be referred to as 'west african',

Kenyan music and culture during the

... and so does the coastal cultures of

Nyayo

East Africa, as well as those of Southern

President Kenyatta earlier in the day),

stadium

celebrations

led

Africa. Music in the continent is perhaps

(and of course listening to Ochestra Super

more differentiated. There is for example

Mazembe's Shauri yako), I pick Scala's

Congolese Lingala music, Swahili taarab

wonderful book on the Art of Africa from

and the fine tunes of the Zulu. Sculpture

my bookshelf. My favorite piece is on the

and painting in the continent has perhaps

eighth page: A wood and brass Nimba

a lot more in common.

mask from Guinea Bissau. Staring at the image, I ask myself what makes this piece

Back to the Nimba, I am looking at a

'African'.

wood curving representation of human upper body. It was meant to promote

Buildesign Magazine | Issue 001/2015 | www.buildesign.co.ke

I love African Music (it sounds really

fertility of women and the land. The

African), and African art. I know Africa is

'breasts' don't look anything like breasts

vast (not a country).....but I'm not naive

but they capture the essence, I believe, of

to the fact that something cuts across

real fertile breasts with a baby or maybe

all cultures across the continent. Some

ready for one.

FEATURE With an exception of recent African

spatial access worked to scare (or

art pieces, the art of this continent was

persuade) people to believe certain things.

never meant for display in art galleries. It

The ability of ancient African sculptors to

was all about strong expressions whose

capture the essence of human or animal

purpose was to evoke certain emotions

forms and amplify this essence to a point

and feelings.

where it takes its own form is the genius of African art.

In his brilliant book, Things fall apart,

Baga Nimba, Guinea-Bissau

Chinua Achebe describes how the ewe

Recent pieces seem to capture this

people accessed their god: 'the way into

essence of African art brilliantly as well,

the shrine was a round hole at the side of

emphasizing a certain aspect of, say the

a hill, just a little bigger than the round

human body, making it art. The breasts

opening into a hen-house. Worshippers

are no longer breasts on the nimba, they

and those who came to seek knowledge

are a bit too flat (the essence of nursing?),

from God crawled on their belly through

the nipples are full, perhaps bigger than

the hole and found themselves in a dark,

anything natural.

endless space in the presence of Agbala. No one had beheld Agbala except his

African sculpture pieces were created

priestess. But no one who had crawled

to last (from the best wood, treated with

into his awful shrine had come out

fire or herbs) and by the best craftsmen.

without fear of his power. His priestess

Despite the careful workmanship though,

stood by the sacred fire which she built

none was created for immediate artistic

in the heart of the cave and proclaimed

necessity: their creators' aim wasn't to

the will of the god. The fire did not burn

create a beautiful object.

with aflame. The glowing logs served to light up vaguely the dark figure of the

The author is a registered architect

priestess'. Now, this would have been the home of many of the pieces that we admire in our galleries today. A mask, carefully sculpted out of wood with metal beads, ostrich feathers, all polished and darkened. Walking into a traditional healers hut, or a god's cave, one would go through very theatrically orchestrated moments of light and no light,

crawling,

kneeling,...unfamiliar

smells and sounds into a space where the healer or god, was just a silhouette in the dark. Glimpses of the mask, smoke, a flameless fire illuminating the space and perhaps the voice behind the mast gave healing, a clan went to war in confidence, a couple got a baby! The strong expressive forms of what we call art today, coupled with the theatrical Baga Nimba, Guinea-Bissau Buildesign Magazine | Issue 001/2015 | www.buildesign.co.ke

OPINION

The Role of Highways in Urbanization

ransportation

infrastructure

has

as stop over centers thereby creating

played a big role in revival and

the need for development of lodges and

creation of new urban set ups.

restaurants enhancing night life and trade.

Most often, such projects are undertaken

These unforeseen and unplanned centers

and implemented without any forecast

could really directly be attributed to

on the urban impact. The mere need for

isolating highway developments as purely

connection of existing cities, states and

engineering domains without deliberate

regions blurs other planning aspects.

involvement of urban design and planning

tremendous

infrastructural

support

development

Planning profession and urban design must be localized involved enough to suit local contexts.Recently, it came to public knowledge that the Nairobi southern bypass did not create an interchange to access Kikuyu town. The same could

aspects.

be said of the recently finished Thika

for

A quick spot check on the fabric of most

long exits unfriendly to new motorists.

The last two decades has seen Africa receive

unsightly appearance.

superhighway with its winding and

from

Kenyan towns shows that the highway

Ideally, urban design and planning must

international finance institutions and

is the key element in their organization.

be part of infrastructural developments

governments. The largest of these sums

The highway happens smack at the

from beginning to the end to enable

have been invested in construction of

centre dividing the towns into East and

proper formulation and structuring of the

urban roads and improvement of inter-city

West, North and South with the nucleus

spontaneous urbanization. The ordinances

connections. Highway projects have not

forming on the immediate sides. Proper

of two California jurisdictions â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the city

only improved mobility but also can be

planning would probably segregate and

of Fremont and Santa Clara County for

attributed directly to improved economic

zone suitable and transient activities like

example, require architectural approval of

and living standards through boosted

fuelling and snack shops closer to the

all uses permitted in the highway business

highway and keeping the other activities

zone. Highways should be purely intercity

on the auxiliary thoroughfares. Failure

connectors only with appropriate and

of such separation has created a lot of

sufficient links to urban centers on its

urban disorganization with any activity

either side. The urban centers should be

occurring anywhere and the emergence

peripheral to the highway. My personal

of hawking enterprise even along the

view and closing thought.

trade and access to markets. But how has the highway affected the formation of new urban set ups and revival of the new ones? The long period of project implementation necessitated construction of workers camps, batching plants and materials warehouses. Such spontaneous establishments have remained to slowly grow into urban centers. Some of the existing urban centers were appropriated 30

Buildesign Magazine | Issue 001/2015 | www.buildesign.co.ke

highways exposing traders and motorists alike to accidents.Also, it is well known that the location of businesses on major thoroughfares

contributes

traffic

congestion, hazardous intersections and

-The author is a registered architect and Partner at Whintto Architects, Mombasa

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S-8 Sky Shopping Mall,

Along Mombasa Road,

Galleria Shopping Mall

4th parklands,

next to Vision Plaza,

Nairobi-Kenya.

Opposite Simba Colt | Nairobi-Kenya

Langata

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Nairobi-Kenya

TRAVEL

Architravel Chicago

By Benson Mwanyika Malasi

Chicago City

John Hancock Centre

The Granddaddy of steel frame construction

Monadnock Building

Radisson Blue Aqua Hotel

or any player in the construction

first settlers started arriving in the 1780s,

means it is visited a lot by both local and

industry, travel - whether for holiday

notable amongst most the early settlers is

international tourists.

or business, usually presents an

Jean Baptiste Point Du Sable who was of

opportunity to see what the other world

African and French descent.

So what do they come to see?

and

Chicago is the third largest city in the

The main attraction is the architecture of

technological advancement in building

United States of America after New York

the various city and metropolis buildings.

and construction. Many others would

and Los Angeles both in metropolis and

The rivers also form an important option

marvel at the historical relevance of the

in population size. The population is

for touring the city (cruise tours). Other

architecture, planning and infrastructure

recorded as having been 200 people in

tours in the city include walking tours,

development and management.

the 1833 and today stands at 2.7 million

bike tours, trolley bus and L Train Tours

(city) and metropolitan at 9.5 million.

all organized by the Chicago Architecture

had to offer in terms of design ingenuity, environmental

responsiveness

In this initial feature, we travel to Chicago.

Foundation. Over the years the city and metropolis

The Windy City as nicknamed by the

have evolved around Chicago River,

Some of the historical and contemporary

natives known to all of us worldwide

Calumet

Lake

buildings are of great interest to visitors

as Chicago has a very rich history and

Michigan and Mississippi River water

of Chicago include The Art Institute of

incidentally the architectural revolution

systems. The water system forms part of

Chicago, Harold Washington Library, The

over many years takes center stage.

the transportation for the ever increasing

Monadnock Building, Federal Centre,

Chicago is home to some of the most

population.

Inland Steel Building, Carson Pirie Scott

River,

Illinois

River,

important architecture in USA.

Building, The Reliance Building, Marshall Chicago is a well planned city, physically,

Fieldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Building, The AON Center and

The original inhabitants were an indignant

socially and economically. It boasts as

Michigan Avenue Cliff among others.

tribe called Potowatomi, who were

one of the busiest airports in the world,

forcefully removed from their land in

Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hare

which

The whole world is represented in the

1833 following the Treaty of Chicago. The

handles over 50 Million passengers. That

current inhabitants of Chicago and their

Buildesign Magazine | Issue 001/2015 | www.buildesign.co.ke

International

Airport

TRAVEL cultural infusions. There are descendants

Movies produced here and well known

of British and Irish, French, Italians,

to Kenyans are the Blues Brothers and the

Hispanic,

Fugitive.

African-American,

Africans,

Chinese and many other countries are represented. This makes the city an

The city is also an education hub with

entertainment and communication hub

most of its high end schools, colleges

of choice, third only to New York and Los

and universities owned or run by the

Angeles. It is home of the four big USA

two predominant religion â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Catholic

television Networks, CBS, ABC, NBC, and

Church and Lutheran Church.

Fox.

The best time to visit the Chicago is from April to October as the other months are

Notable amongst several talk shows to

in winter making it difficult to do the

who call city home is Oprah Winfrey

architectural tour by boat other means as

Show, Prison Break and the Discovery

it is freezing cold.

Channel. The leading daily newspapers published in Chicago amongst many

The author is a tours and travel

other papers and magazines are Chicago

consultant. He can be reached through

Tribunal and Chicago Sun- Times. It is said

info@zarumasafaris.com

that the city is a filming friendly location. Inland Steel Building

Buildesign Magazine | Issue 001/2015 | www.buildesign.co.ke

OPINION

CHECK POINT 80 YEARS ON A

s BORAQS celebrates 80 years

subsequent CPD seminars. What if the

of existence, it is a time to reflect

Board had explained this earlier? Whereas

on the achievements while at

it’s a fact that BORAQS has an open door

the same time review the drawbacks

policy to opinions and ideas on how it

it has had for almost one century it has

can better its operations, it may also be

been around. For any organization that is

important to get out of the house and seek

celebrating its anniversary, it’s important

for these opinions and ideas. Social media

to critically review its modus operandi

is the easiest and fastest way.

and see how it can better /or improve its services to its customers while at the same time improving its efficiency.

affiliated to the Board, mainly drawn from the field of Architecture, took to the social media and ranted on how costly

its

Development

Continuous seminars

Professional (CPD)

have

become. The professionals analyzed how the Board is raking millions of money from the ‘overpriced’ CPD fees. Others complained on how the board is “Lordly” to its members- The notion that, since BORAQS is regulatory, there is very little you can do to question its operations

to register and regulate the professions of

While the registration part of its mandate has been effectively discharged, the Board is still in the woods on issues of regulation. The legislation framework (CAP 525) needs to be more pronounced so that the Board can crack the whip on rogue professionals and quacks masquerading as Architects and Quantity Surveyors. Cases of building collapses have increased in recent days and many people have lost their lives. This must be stopped.

and/ or decisions lest you find yourself

BORAQS mandate in regulating the

on the wrong side of its operations. This

professions must now move to all building

was actually not factual but it easily

approving entities (County Governments).

concluded that the Board sort of sits in

On this we could borrow a leaf from our

an ivory tower with little information

neighbor in Tanzania. The Board has made

reaching its members.

its first move in initiating processes of

The Board explained in details on the need for the drastic changes during the

Buildesign Magazine | Issue 001/2015 | www.buildesign.co.ke

The primary role of the Board has been Architecture and Quantity surveying.

Recently, a group of young professionals

By Arthur Mugo

ensuring its physical presence in various counties. This

highly

appraisable

and it will need more support from all

OPINION Stakeholders.

ways of raising funds to ensure the smooth running of its activities.

There is an urgent need in expanding its mandate through amplified legislation

The Board intends to build its Centre

and collaboration with other agencies

aimed at, among other things, generating

advancing and promoting professionalism

extra income. This is a step in the right

in the built environment.

direction. Beyond this, the proposed

The

regulation

have

centre must incorporate an Architectural

National

learning centre, a venue where post-

Construction Authority, the regulating

graduation

body for all Contractors in Kenya, demand

practical

lessons

the

professions of Architecture and Quantity

for consultants involvement in all projects

Surveying can be advanced.

is the first step in the right direction.

Finally, there is need for the members of

The Board will need to advance its course

the board to show more support to the

in parliament too. We will need support

board activities. Over the years, the Board

from our members who are legislators

has received below average support from

who should be able to lobby their

its members - that is both in explaining

colleagues to support legislation that will

its role and mandate to running its core

further strengthen the board.

activities.

The BORAQS chairman has in the past

As an Architect, one feels thoroughly

noted that the board is underfunded.

embarrassed to interact with a fairy

Having been in operation for the last 80

learned fellow who actually calls an

years, one wonders why BORAQS is still

Architect, “Architecture”. Is it our failure?

struggling financially. As such, there is

The author is a registered architect.

need to come up with more innovative

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REVIEWING ARCHITECTURE IN KENYA AND THE REGION

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Building Reviews: Deloitte Place - Waiyaki Way

Profile: Arch Jeremy Ndong www.buildesign.co.ke

Anniversary: BORAQS@80

Feature: Fire Engineering in Buildings

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REVIEWING ARCHITECTURE IN KENYA AND THE REGION

Building Review: The Oval Building – Westlands, Nairobi Profile: Architect Jim Archer Feature: Security in Buildings Opinion: The types of clients to avoid

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TECHNOLOGY Sponsored by Autodesk

The makers of AutoCAD Oculus Rift Stereoscopic 3D view

NEW TECHNOLOGY IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY: and

3. 3D Concrete Printing. Since the

can

Egyptians experimented with lime and

consume valuable project time. Wouldn’t

gypsum mortar as a binding for stone,

it be amazing if surveys could happen

concrete has been a building material

faster? Since the introduction of Leica

of choice for some of the greatest

Geosystem’sPegasus:Two

vehicle-

construction projects in the world. Now

mounted HDS scanning system, your

3D-printing technology is being integrated

wish is its command. The Pegasus Two

to produce complex building forms. This

is capable of performing 360-degree

union has the potential to reduce the time

corridor surveys at more than 50 miles

required to produce such components by

per hour.

several orders of magnitude—from weeks

definition equipment,

The 10 Best Innovations of 2 0 1 4

surveying

techniques

large-scale

projects

2. Drone Surveying. It seems that 2014

to mere hours.

was the year of “drone technology”—

4. Smart Highways. In 2014, the first

small,

multiple-

stretches of the Smart Highway project

rotor aircraft. From law enforcement to

opened in the Netherlands. The traffic

commerce, there’s no end to what these

markings are made of a special new

versatile devices can accomplish. Now

luminescent paint, And it’s not just for

drones have come to the AEC industry,

cars, either: There’s also a bicycle path

and they are promising a revolution in

with glow-in-the-dark stones inspired

surveying of our world. Armed with high-

by Vincent van Gogh. Future goals of

Reality Capture Technologies. AEC may

resolution digital cameras and advanced

the project include road paint that can

stand for architecture, engineering, and

software, these little aircraft are set to take

react to temperature and in turn provide

construction, but before any of that

surveying to new heights.

weather warnings to drivers.

Building Technologies. The act of building

Environmental

is a basic component of human activity.

Environmental awareness is no longer

For centuries, humans have created

the sole concern of fringe groups. In

structures, beginning with the simplest of

2014, environmental concerns are at the

1. Pegasus Two. We all know that the

huts to the most modern of skyscrapers. All

forefront and, often, in the requirements of

survey

Nonetheless,

along the way, construction technologies

more and more AEC projects. Fortunately,

the survey phase can still take longer

and practices advanced, and 2014 was no

there is also a growing number of brilliant

than we would like. Even with high-

different.

advances in the AEC world.

From new survey methodologies to building techniques, 2014 has shown many

noteworthy

milestones.

Here

are some of the best trends and new technology in the construction industry that have made news in 2014.

can happen, there has to be a survey. So it’s no wonder that 2014 brought some interesting advances to this very fundamental industry.

fundamental.

Buildesign Magazine | Issue 001/2015 | www.buildesign.co.ke

remotely

operated

Technologies.

TECHNOLOGY

Leica Pegasus:Two

Smart highway glowing lines roosegaarde

5. Kinetic Roads. In a world that is

BIM

Building

all over the world collaborate together

increasingly more ecologically aware,

Information Modeling (BIM) is a relatively

in way never before possible. This

many organizations have sought ways to

new concept in the worlds of architecture,

collaboration

create sustainable, ecologically friendly

engineering, and construction, it is fast

while reducing errors and costs.

power.

company,

growing. Helping to spur that growth is a

Underground Power, has developed a way

wide array of technologies involving some

to capture the dissipated kinetic energy of

very inventive software and hardware.

Now

one

Italian

braking automobiles to generate electric

Everywhere.

While

accelerating

designs

There is no doubt that 2014 was a landmark year in terms of new and growing technologies in the AEC industry.

From smart roads to cloud computing,

2014, the number of turnkey solutions

technology has helped every aspect

power equivalent to that of 19 tons of oil!

incorporating devices like the Oculus

of design and construction grow. This

Rift exploded. Available at a wide range

presents a pleasantly difficult task when

6. Solar Roads. Kinetic sciences are not the

of prices, these systems are bringing

one looks back over the year to choose just

only avenue being explored to transform

the advanced technology of immersive

10 entries to name as the best technology

roads from inactive thoroughfares into

“virtual reality” to the hands of nearly any

innovations in AEC.

energy-creating entities. Since 2009, Scott

AEC firm. Through systems combining

and Julie Brusaw have been developing a

advanced software and dual displays,

system of structurally engineered solar

designers and clients can literally bring

tiles for road use. These solar tiles are not

building information to life.

current. These devices have the potential to produce, in a single year, an amount of

only capable of producing electricity from sunlight, but they can also handle loads up to 125 tons. This technology could eventually transform America’s 31,250.86 square miles of roads, parking lots, driveways, playgrounds, bike paths, and sidewalks into the world’s largest power

Visualization/virtualization.

9. Project Tango. Google’s Project Tango is a unique system for handsets and tablets to easily capture and analyze spatial data recorded by device-mounted cameras. In 2014, Trimble announced conceptual applications for use with

network.

these devices to leverage BIM data and

7. Tiny House Movement. Since 1997

edited on the device. With Project Tango

when Sarah Susanka began the “tiny

still in the developmental stage, these

house” movement, more and more people

applications only hint at what the future

around the world have seen the merit of

of this technology could mean to the AEC

smaller home footprints. These sub-1,000-

world.

square-foot homes incorporate all manner of space-saving architectural features to maximize every square foot. In 2014, this once obscure movement moved to the main stage when the New Jersey state Senate began considering tiny houses to assist poor and homeless residents.

quickly capture 3D models that can be

This article originally appeared on LinellShapellSpace a blog from Autodesk which focuses on ideas and inspiration for designers, drafters and animators. Curt Moreno Curt Moreno is a Houston, Texas –based CAD coordinator, writer and Autodesk University speaker who has been using AutoCAD since 1990. Reach him via his site, www.kungfudrafter.com , or follow @wkfd on Twitter.

10. BIM in the Cloud Computing. While 2013 raised the public’s awareness of big data and cloud computing, it was 2014 that saw this technology begin to come into its own as a BIM tool. Now this technology is helping AEC professionals Buildesign Magazine | Issue 001/2015 | www.buildesign.co.ke

EVENT

Boosting Innovation, Promoting Sustainability, Leading the Industry THE BIG 3 AFRICA 2015 opens on May

the show. The quality of the new products

world-renowned

trade

fair

presented has also been improved.

organizer, Expogroup has an excellent

in Hardware, Bathroom and Kitchen

track record for organizing some of the

Industry.

6000+ professional visitors from 25

world’s most successful trade events in East

countries attended this major event last

Africa. With over 17 years’ experience in

More than 150 international and African

year and left the show very satisfied for

organizing large-scale commercial events

top and emerging exhibitors from about

the time invested at The Big3 Africa. This

connecting buyers and sellers, Expogroup

20 countries will be exhibiting all types

year the show organizers expect another

brings forth an unrivaled skill-set and

of Hardware, Bathroom and Kitchen

great success and high-quality visitors

expertise needed to develop Big3 Africa

products and launching the latest products

from all over the world.

into the premier international Build,

to the market in the 3500 sqm gross space

Hardware, Bathroom and Kitchen interior

reserved for The Big 3 Africa 2015 at the

In terms for visitor profiles, The Big3

trade show in the world.

Kenyatta International Conference Centre

Africa has been developing its platform

from 7 -9 May 2015.

vertically by integrating upstream and

Big3 Africa gathers every year the whole

downstream

and

industry for a three day of upbeat show.

This 2015 edition of the show is strongly

supporting the exhibition with a series of

The show organizer, Expogroup welcome

focusing on one key topic for the future of

forums, conferences and events covering

exhibitors and visitors to join this leading

the interior industry: "Innovation".

specific topics and giving insights in

platform in East Africa to explore, expand

different interior industry application

and grow.

The Big3 Africa, promotion campaign

fields.

for the most innovative Hardware and

Interior show, is back in 2015 for its

Throughout the show, there are many

second edition. The online services for

concept areas realized with the active

this campaign have been optimized in

cooperation of a number of exhibitors

2015 by offering visitors and exhibitors

boosting the different product categories

an interactive platform helping the match-

and highlighting specific subcategories.

to present the latest developments

making between offer and demand before 38

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industry

resources

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